Rain Shadow

Since 2008, Portland experimental duo Golden Retriever have made immersive music using a unique combination of modular synthesizers and amplified bass clarinet, melding their instruments together as an ecstatic, engaging whole. Rain Shadow is their first collaboration with esteemed guitarist Chuck Johnson, another artist with a transportive command on his instrument. In some ways, the album is similar to the ambient Americana Johnson produced with Marielle V Jakobsons as part of Saariselka, but while the duo developed their glowing, starlit compositions together, Rain Shadow was created remotely from the three musicians home studios, with each individual introducing musical ideas and building from them. The resulting four pieces are relaxed and unhurried, but at key moments, the musicians lock together in a radiant surge of energy. Opener Empty Quarter takes the longest to arrive at this point, swelling up after about ten minutes of electric waves and lonesome pedal steel guitar cries. Theres more contrast to Sage Thrasher, which begins with sparse, solemn floating before a much more ecstatic buzz emerges after about six minutes. This dazzling light wave continues through until it gradually becomes washed out by the end, seemingly by force -- the overwhelming current of energy couldve continued indefinitely, but they had to cap it off somehow. Creosote Ring highlights the interplay between the trio, and the instruments all take on a sadder, more mournful tone. Johnsons weeping guitar swoops around Matt Carlsons gliding synths, while Jonathan Sielaff plays a heartfelt, bittersweet melody, and an undefined aura envelops it all. ~ Paul Simpson